The body naturally changes with aging, and gradual eyesight loss is a frequent and difficult transition for some seniors. Issues such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy are all common concerns and may even lead to legal blindness. For seniors aging in place, fading vision can make it difficult to maintain their daily tasks. However, in-home care assistance gives them the support they need to continue living in their home comfortably and safely.
Understanding Senior Legal Blindness and Vision Loss
Someone with 20/200 vision in their better eye is legally blind because they can only see 20 feet, compared to a normal person’s 200 feet. Tunnel vision—a visual field of 20 degrees or less—can also occur. In other words, being legally blind doesn’t mean one can’t see, but it does mean those people will need to make lifestyle and home changes to remain safe and optimize functionality.
Home Modifications That Assist Seniors with Vision Issues
Seniors with vision issues, such as legal blindness, need home support. With in-home care services, they and their loved ones can make simple changes that reduce accidents, improve navigation, and boost comfort.
- Improve Lighting: Low light worsens vision loss. Hallways, stairways, bathrooms, and kitchens need brighter, non-glare lighting. Additionally, to assist seniors, motion-sensor lights should be installed to reduce the risk of falls.
- Consider Color: Using contrasting colors and color coding can help seniors distinguish items. For instance, loved ones might consider painting door frames a bright color or using dark rugs on lighter flooring to help seniors with vision issues navigate more easily.
- Declutter and Organize: It’s important to ensure seniors have a clear path to get from one area to the next, which might include decluttering, reorganizing, and reducing furniture clutter for safety. Additionally, seniors will appreciate having everyday items close by for ease of use.
Assistive Technology
Many modern assistive devices can improve the quality of life for seniors with declining vision. With in-home care, they can become comfortable with these tools and regain the self-confidence they may have lost due to their failing vision.
Some technologies that might be considered include the following:
- Magnifying Glasses or Digital Magnifiers: Using magnifying glasses or digital magnifiers makes reading books, mail, and labels easier for seniors.
- Audible Devices: Talking clocks, watches, and kitchen timers help seniors track time and tasks. Additionally, smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home, can manage appliances, play music, and make calls using simple voice commands.
- Digital Devices: Thanks to digital devices that let them change the font to a more acceptable size, seniors can continue to engage on social media, read books, and more.
Aging in place allows seniors to maintain independence and quality of life. However, when vision issues threaten that independence, they may worry how they will cope.
The good news is that in-home care services can be a valuable support for seniors struggling with legal blindness and other vision issues and provide much-needed companionship.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring In-Home Care in Walnut Creek, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
Sources:
- https://agerrtc.washington.edu/info/factsheets/vision
- https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-health-for-life/senior-vision?sso=y
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